Nepal | Hiking the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Journey into the Mountains of the Gods • March, 2010
Our Itinerary
Our trek to the Annapurna Base Camp combines some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery with a fascinating insight into the life and culture of the mountain people. The Annapurna Base Camp trek, also known as Annapurna Sanctuary trek, is a true classic, as you’ll hike amidst some of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the world. Many of the peaks are over 23,000 feet, including the famous twin-peaked Machapuchare, as well as Annapurna I and lll, Annapurna South, Gangapurna and Glacier Dome. A side hike to Ghorapani on the way to the Sanctuary will provide us a panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
The trek traverses through the dense rhododendron forests complete with exotic birds and deep sub-tropical valleys, before entering the narrow Modi Khola Gorge. As we climb higher we’ll reach the hidden world of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The huge south face of Annapurna (26,541’) provides an impressive backdrop, while the closeness of 10 peaks over 19,685 feet, including Hiunchuli, Fang, Annapurna III and Machapuchare (the Fish Tail Peak), inspire you as a fitting highlight of this spectacular trek. On the return journey we will have a chance to visit a charming huge village of Ghandruk inhabited by the mountain people called Gurungs. It is a wonderful journey to the heart of the Annapurnas.
Day 1
Arrival at the Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to our hotel. After checking in we’ll take a familiarization walk with our guide in Thamel. A short briefing will follow as we prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2
We will do full day sightseeing around Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan city where we’ll have time to visit enchanting Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines, reflecting the ancient traditions and religion. There will be plenty of time to explore the city on your own or take a rest for the remainder of the day.
Day 3
We fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the morning. Our flight will take about 35 minutes, and when we arrive in Pokhara we’ll have plenty of time to acclimatize and explore the city.
Day 4
One hour drive to Birethanti (4,891’) Situated along the Modi River. Today we begin our trek as the trail ascends to Tikhedunga.
Day 5
From Tikhedhunga the trail crosses a stream (Bhurungdi Khola) on a suspension bridge to start the long steep climb to the large Magar village Ulleri at 6,791’. Above the village the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields and magnificent rhododendron and oak forests. Lunch in Nangethanti. From Nangethanti we’ll have about an hour’s hike to Ghorepani at 9,343’. Arrive at the top of the Ghorepani pass and overnight in a mountain lodge.
Day 6
We can wake up early to get sun rise and excellent views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and other Himalayan peaks before breakfast. Afterwards we start hiking up to Tadapani through the rhododendron forest.
Day 7
We descend into the forest on the trail to Chomrong. This new trail is short one so we can continue to Sinuwa today and stop at Chormong on our return.
Day 8
As we leave Chomrong the trail drops down to the Chhomrong Khola, and then climbs to Khuldighar at 9,842’. The trail climbs through bamboo, then rhododendron forests to Dovan and finally to Himalayan Hotel. The excellent views of Machhapurchhre (fishtail) pass as we begin to traverse the base.
Day 9
The Valley begins to look very “Glacial” with its steep sides and eventually we’ll ascend to Machhapuchre Base Camp. Here we’ll have the option to overnight and continue on to the Annapurna Base Camp on the following day, or continue on and overnight at the Annapurna Base Camp tonight.
Day 10
If we reached the Annapurna Base Camp on yesterday, we’ll begin our return today. If not, today we’ll ascend to the base camp and overnight. (We’ll simply add an extra day to our schedule). If descending, it will take about 6 hours to reach Dovan.
Day 11
We continue our descent through the forests, with only a small ascent to Chomrong.
Day 12
We’ll hike into the mountain village of Ghandruk and overnight. Here you’ll experience firsthand the Gurungs, a mountain people indigenous to this region.
Day 13
Ghandruk Village – Ghandruk exploration day.
Day 14
Spectacular views of the Annapurna range as we continue our descent.
Day 15
Overnight in Pokhara
Day 16
Pokhara an enchanting city nestled in a tranquill valley and is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of Machhapuchhre (22,890’) rising behind it creates an ambience of peace and mysticism. Some of the sights we can enjoy are Phewa Lake, Barahi Temple, Devi's Fall, Gupteswor Gupha, and Sarangkot.
Day 17
Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu, approximately 6 hours. Celebration dinner in Kathmandu as we prepare for our return to the states.
Day 18
Departure for home.
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